01/06/2021
On 1st June, 2021, OFAC issued General Licence 8H, through which it authorises certain companies to transact with Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) until 1st December, 2021.
International Sanctions
International sanctions have existed as a diplomatic tool for centuries. In the 21st Century international sanctions are the favoured weapons of governments seeking to accomplish global foreign policy objectives and as protectionist sentiment rises we are seeing a marked increase in their use. Notably, Iran, Syria, Libya, Russia & Ukraine, North Korea and Venezuela have all been subjected to sanctions in recent years.
The effects of sanctions are far reaching and concerns often arise as to the uncertainty and lack of clarity of the sanctions regulations themselves. This is therefore an area where utmost caution must be exercised.
Due diligence is essential where any sanctions regime is concerned. Members are advised to continue to closely monitor developments in international sanctions and be alert to any potential infringements.
We recommend that Members should run checks on all parties involved when trading to a sanctioned country. In order to ensure that proper due diligence is carried out Members are advised to seek legal advice. Ideally such checks should be carried out before the business is fixed. Although the cost of these enquiries will be an operational expense for the Member’s account, the Club is always available to assist Members by recommending suitable lawyers and preparing the necessary instructions.
Whist governments remain of the view that sanctions are an effective tool for implementing foreign policy, they will continue to have a measurable effect on Members’ operations, as well as the industry as a whole, for the foreseeable future.
As situations are evolving on a regular basis, we have created this dedicated sanctions page in order to keep Members fully informed and up to date on developments in general. However, if a Member has any concerns about trading to a particular country or with a particular individual or entity they should consult their usual contact at the Managers.
Members are invited to sign up here to receive access to our regular updates can also access the latest news and resources here.
26/04/2021
OFAC has announced that sanctions on certain Belarusian entities are to be imposed following a 45 day wind-down period. Podcast also available.
23/04/2021
On 15th April, 2021, the US took multiple sanctions actions targeting “aggressive and harmful activities by the Government of the Russian Federation” under a new Executive Order (“EO”). Podcast also available.
30/03/2021
In response to the recent military coup in Burma, the US has imposed sanctions and property blocking orders against certain parties involved in “the assault on Burma’s transition to democracy”. Podcast also available.
23/02/2021
The Club has partnered with Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS), a global market leader in marine fuel testing and bunker surveys.
24/07/2020
On 14th July, 2020, President Trump signed the Hong Kong Autonomy Act (the “HKAA”) and, simultaneously, an Executive Order implementing the HKAA and revoking Hong Kong’s preferential trade status. As a result of these steps, Hong Kong will now be treated the same as mainland China for the purposes of, among other things, export controls and tariffs and various sanctions will be imposed on certain foreign individuals and entities whose identities are to be confirmed.
18/03/2020
Another Rosneft-related entity added to the SDN list
On 12th March, 2020, OFAC designated TNK Trading International S.A. (“TTI”) to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list under E.O. 13850 for operating in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy. TTI was also designated to the Sectoral Sanctions Identifications (SSI) list under E.O. 13662 dealing with the Ukraine.
10/01/2020
The US authorities have issued a new Executive Order imposing sanctions with respect to construction, mining, manufacturing, and textiles sectors of Iran. Click to read more...
24/12/2019
Following a review by the BIMCO sanctions sub-committee, BIMCO has released new sanctions clauses for both time and voyage charters. The new clauses have replaced the existing BIMCO sanctions and designated entities clauses, and they are designed to create more contractual certainty for the parties in an increasingly complex sanctions landscape. Click to read more...
18/12/2019
Following our update on 13th December, 2019, Members are advised that OFAC has now (as of 18th December, 2019) de-listed Ventspills Freeport Authority, following the Latvian government’s removal of the port from the...